The main problem here is you want a kayak and you have a Pro Angler. The angler was built for fishing and not kayaking. It will not handle like you think you want it to. BUT as stated before... After use while fishing you will adjust to it. 60 trips should be enough, but for some it might take longer... But you do not have a kayak. Good Luck.

I have been paddle/pedal fishing for over 15 years and have over 30 years experience operating power vessels. I think I should have a good idea on how a boat/kayak should handle. Say what you want Thinwater skinner.... it ain't right

Matt, don't get me wrong. I am very satisfied with my Pro Angler 12. I have learned to "deal" with the handling of the boat. Notice I didn't say kayak I would/have encouraged anyone to consider buying the 12 when purchasing a fishing platform.

Glad to see that Hobie does recognize why there are handling issues and the decisions behind the design. If I had a choice between getting my line tangled in the rudder and better handling, I would go with better handling.

Another issue is over-steering ... the blade turns too far, water flow detaches and then finally catches and steers the boat the other way. This can cause a snake-wake feel in steering. Be gentle, try not to over-correct. This was the primary reason we made the drum bigger... takes more input to make the rudder turn, but there is only so much we could do with that. The housing limits the drum size.

Don't get me wrong either...

Personally, I think the rudder could be a thicker foil, that helps keeps the flow of water attached. It could be longer, but would stick out the back when in the up position. We always try to improve the products, so we do listen to hear what is, and is not working.

Another issue is over-steering ... the blade turns too far, water flow detaches and then finally catches and steers the boat the other way. This can cause a snake-wake feel in steering. Be gentle, try not to over-correct. This was the primary reason we made the drum bigger... takes more input to make the rudder turn, but there is only so much we could do with that. The housing limits the drum size.

Don't get me wrong either...

Personally, I think the rudder could be a thicker foil, that helps keeps the flow of water attached. It could be longer, but would stick out the back when in the up position. We always try to improve the products, so we do listen to hear what is, and is not working.

Matt - Thanks for your feedback. I agree with islandspeed2001, it's a very unique fishing platform which I do love, and I understand certain design improvements do come at a cost. I suppose it's not that much different than driving (hands on the wheel), I am just accustomed to not having to do that on other hobies. So there's a bit of an adjustment there. I'm a multi-tasker by nature so I tend to want to do other things when commuting

I would like to explore the longer rudder, I also think that could help. I don't think the fact that it would stick out the back would be that big of a deal. Just have to be extra careful loading/unloading. For west coasters with long commutes in deeper/choppier water any little bit helps.

I have levers with knobs on both sides of my PA12 and I enjoy the steering much more. Sometimes I use both levers when cruising, but the knobs made the most difference. The steering seems more precise with the knobs, and so less over-steering; but that may just be me.

Hey guys, today I made a new rudder like the guy in pensolcola. I built it today and installed it at my camp. I have plenty of pictures and a video of how it handles. The new rudder is thicker than the stock and longer, the PA turns on a dime and will turn in any direction immediately from a dead stop. It also seems to track very well in a straight line. I will be doing more testing and videos tommorow of it. I will post them when I get a better signal, as the cell coverage out here at the camp is sketchy....

Come to think of it ........ both my PA's require alot of adjustments to keep straight ........ thought it was just me. The Torqeedo helps though .... I guess it's because it has 2 rudders ...... the Hobie rudder and the engine itself

Ok The 1st try to fix the rudder issue went wrong, I used a piece of plexiglass and it worked until I got into swift current, and Broke, So I went back to the drawing board to fix this issue and made a custom made Aluminum rudder made out of 1\4" aluminum and made the rudder 1" bigger and 1" longer, Included are the pictures below, I will post a report on how it performs next weekend, I have a fishing tournament and will be giving it a workout, let me know what you guys think!!!